Ex-Punjab and Haryana HC Judge Nirmal Yadav acquitted in 16-year-old ‘cash at Judge’s door’ case
PTC Web Desk: Former Punjab and Haryana High Court judge Justice Nirmal Yadav has been acquitted in the long-drawn 'cash at judge’s door' case, which was filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) 16 years ago. Following the verdict, Justice Yadav expressed her faith in the judiciary, telling reporters, “I have faith in the judiciary.”
The case dates back to August 2008, when a cash packet containing Rs 15 lakh was mistakenly delivered to the residence of Justice Nirmaljit Kaur, instead of its intended recipient. The Special CBI Judge, Alka Malik, pronounced the verdict today, clearing Justice Yadav of all charges.
The controversy began on August 13, 2008, when a clerk at Justice Nirmaljit Kaur’s residence in Chandigarh received a Rs 15 lakh cash packet. Upon discovering the error, Justice Kaur immediately alerted the then Chief Justice of Punjab and Haryana High Court and Chandigarh Police. This led to an FIR being registered on August 16, 2008.
The case saw a turning point 10 days later, when General SF Rodrigues (Retd.), the then administrator of Chandigarh, transferred the investigation to the CBI, which registered a fresh FIR on August 28, 2008.
During its inquiry, the CBI identified that the cash was delivered by a clerk working for Sanjeev Bansal, the then Haryana Additional Advocate General. Bansal allegedly made a phone call to Justice Kaur, stating the money was intended for a "Nirmal Singh" and had been mistakenly sent to her.
In January 2009, the CBI sought permission to prosecute Justice Yadav, which the Punjab and Haryana High Court granted in November 2010. Justice Yadav challenged the decision but was unsuccessful in obtaining relief. In March 2011, the President’s office approved the prosecution sanction, leading to a chargesheet being filed by the CBI.
Throughout the trial, the prosecution listed 84 witnesses, of which 69 were examined. Earlier this year, in February 2024, the Punjab and Haryana High Court allowed the CBI to re-examine 10 witnesses within four weeks, instructing the trial court to avoid unnecessary delays.
Despite the extensive investigation and legal battle, Justice Yadav maintained her innocence, stating during her final argument, "I have not committed any crime, and nothing incriminating has been found against me during the entire trial."
With today’s ruling, the high-profile case that had lasted over a decade and a half has finally reached its conclusion, acquitting Justice Nirmal Yadav of all charges.
- With inputs from agencies
